What Is the CCRAS–Central Sanskrit University Manuscript Revival Initiative?

India has taken another step towards preserving its ancient medical wisdom. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and Central Sanskrit University have completed a specialised workshop in Kerala to revive rare Ayurvedic manuscripts. The initiative focuses on transliteration and research-based use of palm-leaf texts, ensuring that classical Ayurvedic knowledge becomes accessible for modern scientific study.

Why in News?

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and Central Sanskrit University completed a 15-day transliteration workshop in Kerala that successfully revived five rare and unpublished Ayurvedic manuscripts for research and academic use.

Transliteration Workshop in Kerala

The residential workshop was organised at the CSU Puranattukara (Guruvayoor) Campus, Thrissur, from January 12 to 25 under a formal MoU between CCRAS and CSU.

• 33 scholars participated, including 18 Ayurveda scholars and 15 Sanskrit scholars
• The programme promoted an interdisciplinary approach to manuscript studies
• Training covered manuscriptology, palaeography and Ayurvedic technical terminology
• Special focus was given to Grantha and Vattezhuthu scripts
• The workshop strengthened scholarly capacity in handling fragile palm-leaf manuscripts.

Hands-On Training and Script Expertise

A defining feature of the programme was its strong emphasis on practical transliteration rather than only theoretical learning.

• Scholars worked directly with original palm-leaf manuscripts
• Scripts covered included Grantha, Medieval Malayalam, and Vattezhuthu
• Dedicated Lipi Parichaya sessions helped participants understand script evolution
• Focus was placed on accuracy, consistency and research usability
• This hands-on design ensured tangible academic outputs within a short duration.

Rare Ayurvedic Manuscripts Revived

The workshop led to the successful transliteration of five rare and previously unpublished Ayurvedic manuscripts, now available for advanced research.

• Dhanwanthari (Vaidya) Chinthamani – Grantha to Sanskrit
• Dravyashuddhi – Grantha to Sanskrit
• Vaidyam – Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam
• Roga Nirnaya (Part I) – Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam
• Vividharogangal – Vattezhuthu to Malayalam and Sanskrit

These texts contribute valuable insights into regional Ayurvedic practices.

Institutional Support and Expert Leadership

Senior academicians highlighted the growing momentum of this manuscript revival initiative.

• Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, noted this as the second successful collaboration with CSU
• An earlier workshop at CSU Puri Campus, Odisha, had resulted in 14 manuscripts being transliterated
• CSU officials reaffirmed commitment to preserving Malayalam Ayurvedic traditions
• The programme was coordinated by senior experts from both institutions
• This reflects sustained institutional focus on classical knowledge systems.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. The CCRAS functions under which ministry?

A) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B) Ministry of Culture
C) Ministry of Ayush
D) Ministry of Education